A 55-year-old woman has been fined £70 for defrauding more than £2,000 in benefits.

Annie Rodgers, of Nore Close, Sheerness, pleaded guilty to failing to report a change in her circumstances that she knew would affect her benefit claims.

The fraud was uncovered by Swale council last July when enquiries were made with employers, credit agencies and the police.

Rodgers, who failed to notify the authorities that Robert Gray lived at her home, fraudulently claimed a total of £2,866.79 between November 2007 and the following April - £1,452.31 in housing benefit, £273.93 in council tax benefit, and £1,140.55 in income support.

Rodgers, who was sentenced at Sittingbourne magistrates' court this week, was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

After the case, Filmer Wellard, the council’s investigation supervisor, said: “This conviction should serve as a reminder to anyone claiming benefits that they should report changes in their circumstances promptly to avoid large overpayments and the possibility of a criminal conviction.

"You will also have to repay the money you have defrauded.”

• To report benefit fraud (all calls are in confidence), call 01795 417714.
• Fraud can also be reported online via the council’s website
• Alternatively write to Swale council at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT.